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A Christmas Carol [Blu-ray] | ![A Christmas Carol [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51O0ahPYzRL._SL160_.jpg) | Director: Brian Desmond Hurst
Actors: Alastair Sim, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns, Hermione Baddeley
Studio: VCI Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.99
Buy New: $16.99
as of 11/28/2009 03:59 CST details
You Save: $13.00 (43%)
New (11) Used (3) from $16.99
Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 903
Format: Black & White, Dolby, Full Screen, NTSC, Restored
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: Blu-ray
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
Number Of Discs: 2
Running Time: 86 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 9001
UPC: 089859900129
EAN: 0089859900129
ASIN: B002EXW7DY
Theatrical Release Date: 1951
Release Date: November 3, 2009 (New: Last 30 Days)
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | New State-of-the-Art High Definition Film Transfer from the original 35mm negatives - fully digitally restored picture and sound! , Original Theatrical 1.33:1 Version Optional English & Spanish Subtitles , Optional Dolby Digital 2.0 or 5.1 , Audio Commentary by George Cole , Cast bios , BONUS! Also Includes the Standard DVD with both 4x3 and 16x9 Versions Format: BLU-RAY DISC |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Studio: Video Communications Inc. Release Date: 11/03/2009 Run time: 86 minutes Rating: Nr
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 8
 Magnificent new version of the greatest classic. November 28, 2009
Anne Rice (Little Paradise, California)
For me, this is the ultimate A Christmas Carol. For long years, before and after video recording, I was desperate each Christmas season to catch this on television, and of course I came to add video tapes, and lazer disks of this to my subsequent collections. But this new Blu Ray DVD is simply beyond anything I ever imagined. The clarity of the picture and sound, the gorgeous contrast, the wealth of new visible and audible detail in every scene is overwhelming. This is a magnficent film. Those unfamiliar with it will come to love it, as they treasure Alastair Sim's remarkable portrayal of Scrooge. And there is not a wasted face or voice in the rest of the film. All Dickens' characters --- from Tiny Tim to Old Fezziwig to Mrs. Dilber --- are brought to life with perfection. ---Also worth noting: one of the things that distinguishes this version is a plausible and compelling backstory for Scrooge which is not in the original novel by Dickens. These sensitive and subtle additional scenes -- filling out Scrooge's early life --- resonate beautifully with the original material. They only add, never detract. George Cole, who portrays the younger Scrooge looks credibly enough like Alastair Sim to make the material all the more effective. The music in this film is tender, beautiful and haunting, especially the Barbara Allen theme connecting Scrooge's sister Fan with Scrooge's later, post transformation, visit to his neglected nephew and his lovely wife. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If you love Dickens you must have this. If you love British film, you must have this. And it will make a fabulous Christmas present for those who have not yet discovered it, or who long to see it again. We'll be playing Scrooge every Christmas season in my house as we have done for years, only with renewed enthusiasm and enjoyment, thanks to this stunning restoration. Also recommended: David Lean's Great Expectatons and Oliver Twist. Perhaps we'll see Blu Rays of those soon, but until then the latest versions are well worth it to experience Dickens on the screen.
 I Don't Understand The Raves Over this Blu-ray.... November 15, 2009
Peter Prainito (Lombard, IL USA)
5 out of 8 found this review helpful
Let me start by offering my sincerest apologies for having to be the first reviewer to rate the newly restored Blu-ray release of the classic 1951 "A Christmas Carol" less than the 5 stars everyone else has given it. This English movie version of the beloved Dickens tale has rightfully earned the respect and admiration that it gets. There has never been a better acted or more moving film adaptation than this one...hands down!
Like so many other people who own some prior version of this classic, I was thrilled to learn that it was re-mastered on Blu-ray. I relied on these 6 favorable Amazon reviews to gain the confidence I needed to take a chance on purchasing this film, since it was hailed as looking and sounding better than it ever has. Despite some reviewers claiming that it was not without flaws, I took that chance. Well folks, when it comes to re-mastering older films it's a gamble. In my opinion, I felt I lost this bet. Yes, the film does seem brighter and in better focus. However I was not expecting to see the picture bending in certain frames or going in and out of focus between scene changes. I also did not expect to hear the obvious audio splices and drop-out like it did a few times. I'm not sure (or confident) that the re-mastering was made from the best possible sources; but if it was, then the sources have deteriorated horribly over time.
I wasn't expecting miracles (perhaps this is the best that this movie can be made to look), but can only give this Blu-ray release a lukewarm recommendation. I still adore this movie and always will, flaws and all. Happy Holidays to you all!
UPDATE: In response to a commentator of my review, I watched my older DVD version (also produced by VCI Home Video) and found that many of the defects that I mentioned were in the Blu-ray were non-existent in my older DVD. Notably, I'm referring to the bending and splices in the video and the audio drop-outs. Amazing! The Blu-ray improved the sharpness of the video but introduced defects at the same time. Clearly, the best sources were NOT used in the remastering.
 The Best version comes to Blu-Ray!! (a blu-ray review only) November 12, 2009
forrie lowell
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
A Christmas tradition every year is to watch some media version of Dicken's Classic "A Christmas Carol", Of all the scores of versions which have come out over the years in color, animation, with lots of computer inhancements, NONE hold a candle to this 1951 British adaptation of the classic short story,
For decades I have annually watched this wonderful Alistar Simms (he is Scrooge) version with eager anticipation, launching the holiday season spirit.
This dark and very faithful to Dickens story is creepy and heart warming, for sure.
NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS MASTERPIECE IS AVAILABLE IN BLU-RAY (1080p) A REMASTERED COPY FROM THE ORIGINAL 35mm PRINT. SIMPLY, ASTONISHING!!!! WITH 5.1 SOUND AND HD PICTURE THIS IS A MUST HAVE!!! THE PICTURE QUALITY AND SOUNDTRACK MAKE THIS FILM SO VERY REAL TO LIFE. YOUR IMAGINATION, YOUR NERVES and HEART FELT JOY are soo PEAKED AND TUNED INTO THIS HOLIDAY CLASSIC!!!! A MUST HAVE!!! AN ANNUAL TRADITION TO BEGIN AGAIN!!!
Also included is the standard DVD version in 4:3 and 16:9 format. (Remember widescreen was begun in 1953.) Audio commentary (kind of random information is provided) is also included.
ENJOY!!!
The Best Version of Dickens' classic, ever November 10, 2009
W. Craig
7 out of 11 found this review helpful
The most significant Christmas film ever made. Certainly the truest and most emotionally stirring adaptation of Dickens' classic to this day, and most certainly to come. How do I know this? Well, in the words of Tiny Tim, "I just think it". The aged condition of the film and the fact that it was shot in black and white lend a certain authenticity to it, as if it were actually filmed in the story's time period. Alastair Sim was born to play Scrooge. Even some of the finest actors can't (and won't) ever approach the level he set. He was the "model Scrooge". Sim was as equally convincing as a heartless miser as he was a man enlightened, redeemed and reborn. Other fine actors could play one or the other but not both, at least, not convincingly. Sim is also supported by a very strong cast and crew. This classic version has Heart; It has Spirit like no other; It has believability; It has purpose. Just the sight of a poor little boy (Tiny Tim) peering through a toy shop window and managing a smile even though he knows he'll never have any of the toys he sees will be indelibly etched into your conscience. The music during that scene will stay with you for many seasons to come. Somebody did a commendable job restoring this treasure. Even the standard DVD (also restored and included) looks and sounds far better than any prior home video release, but it's still not perfect. Nevertheless, great strides in its restoration were made and I highly recommend it. But as far as the story goes, watch it alone the first time, without interruption, and if you find yourself touched and perhaps rubbing a tear from your eye at the end when you hear the words, "Can you forgive a pig-headed old fool...", ahhh, you're there. Merry Christmas, "in keepin' with the situation".
Amazing!!! November 4, 2009
Mark Cruickshank (MI, USA)
20 out of 23 found this review helpful
I just got my copy today, and put it in after watching the Blu Ray of Forrest Gump. Trust me. You've never seen A Christmas Carol until you see this new Blu Ray. I was shocked and beside myself at how well this new restoration turned out. The detail is unreal, especially for a film that has always looked so bad. It's not flawless mind you, with the ocassional nick and scratch, but overall this is a beautiful transfer and worth every penny for an upgrade. The sound is quite nice as well. I prefer the original mono to the 5.1 track. Very clear and hiss free.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 8
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